5 Candidates Seek 3 Seats In Manchester School Board Election

MANCHESTER, NJ — Five people have submitted petitions to run for three seats on the Manchester Township Board of Education, including a newly appointed member and a former member who was voted out last year.

Ken Pate, who lost his seat last year after 21 years of service, is seeking one of three, three-year terms available.

Also seeking election to her first full term is Gayle Mount, who was appointed to the board in July to replace longtime member Mary Walter, who resigned her seat after 21 years of service to take a position with the New Jersey School Boards Association. Walter spent 10 years as president of the board and had attained master board member status and helped new school board members throughout the state learn about their new roles.

Board President Donald Webster Jr. said Walter joined the board at a time when things were not good in Manchester.

“She was a big part of getting things turned around in the district and she is to be commended for that,” Webster said.

Mount, who is a special education teacher in the Brick Township School District, is a 1995 graduate of Manchester Township High School. She was appointed to serve the remainder of Walter's term, which expires Dec. 31.

Current board members Jennifer Hudak and Jacqueline Paolillo are seeking reelection. Hudak is seeking her third term on the board, while Paolillo is seeking her second.

Also seeking election to the board is Melanie Biscardi.

MAIN PHOTO: Board President Donald Webster Jr.., Superintendent David Trethaway, and Business Administrator Craig Lorentzen present Mary Walter with a plaque honoring her 21 years of service on the board. Photos by Lee Bruzaitis, Manchester Township Schools public information officer